Asymmetric Torsion Plate and Composite Sole Structure For Article of Footwear

ABSTRACT

A composite sole structure for an article of footwear includes a bottom component and an intermediate component. Each of the intermediate component and the bottom component includes a protruding portion that forms a concave contour on the top surface and a corresponding convex contour on the bottom surface of the component, where the protruding portion includes at least a first portion that forms a continuous trough at least from a medial side of the forefoot region, e.g., from a medial side of a toe split, to a lateral side of the heel region, e.g., a heel strike region. The bottom component further includes a variable thickness profile that forms a continuous ridge on the bottom surface, the ridge extending from the medial side of the forefoot region to the lateral side of the heel region, the ridge being substantially aligned with the first portion of the protruding portion of the intermediate component and the bottom component.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The current embodiments relate to articles of footwear. Morespecifically, the current embodiments relate to a sole structure forarticles of footwear.

BACKGROUND

Articles of athletic footwear typically include two elements, an upperand a sole structure. The upper may provide a covering for the foot thatcomfortably receives and securely positions the foot with respect to thesole structure. A sole structure may be secured to a lower portion ofthe upper and may be generally positioned between the foot and a groundsurface or other surface. In addition to attenuating ground reactionforces (i.e., providing cushioning) during walking, running, and otherambulatory activities, a sole structure may facilitate control of footmotions (e.g., by resisting pronation), impart stability, facilitatecontrol of twisting and/or bending motions, and provide traction, forexample. Accordingly, a sole structure may cooperate with an upper toprovide a comfortable structure that is suited for a wide variety ofathletic or other activities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The current embodiments can be better understood with reference to thefollowing drawings and description. Components in the figures are notnecessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed uponillustrating principles of the current embodiments. In the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views, and the initial digits of the reference numeralsindicate the figure in which the reference numeral is first used.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwearviewed from a bottom medial side;

FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the article of footwear of FIG.1 viewed from a top lateral side;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the sole structure ofFIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the sole structure of FIG. 3 viewed froma top lateral side;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the sole structure of FIG. 3, includingseveral section lines at different points along a longitudinal length ofthe sole structure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sole structure of FIG. 3 viewed froma bottom medial side;

FIG. 7 is a lateral side view of the sole structure of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a medial side view of the sole structure of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 5, takenalong section line 9-9 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 5, takenalong section line 10-10 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 5, takenalong section line 11-11 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the heel region of the sole structureof FIG. 5 viewed along section line 11-11 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 5, takenalong section line 13-13 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 5, takenalong section line 14-14 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of a sole structureof the article of footwear of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of a further embodiment of a solestructure of the article of footwear of FIGS. 1 and 2; and

FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a cleatseat assembly of the sole structure of FIG. 16 taken along section line17-17 of FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, an article of footwear may have a sole structureincluding a bottom component and an intermediate component. The solestructure may have a toe region, a forefoot region, a midfoot region,and a heel region. The sole structure may have a medial side and alateral side. The intermediate component may have a top surface, abottom surface, and a protruding portion that forms a concave contour onthe top surface of the intermediate component and a corresponding convexcontour on the bottom surface of the intermediate component. Theprotruding portion may include at least a first portion that forms acontinuous trough at least from the medial side of the forefoot regionthrough the midfoot region to the lateral side of the heel region. Thebottom component may have a top surface, a bottom surface, and aprotruding portion that forms a concave contour on the top surface ofthe bottom component and a corresponding convex contour on the bottomsurface of the bottom component. The protruding portion may include atleast a first portion that forms a continuous trough at least from themedial side of the forefoot region through the midfoot region to thelateral side of the heel region. The top surface of the bottom componentmay contact the bottom surface of the intermediate component. The firstportion of the bottom component may be aligned with the first portion ofthe intermediate component, and the bottom surface of the bottomcomponent may be configured to engage a ground surface. The bottomcomponent may further have a variable thickness profile that forms acontinuous ridge on the bottom surface of the bottom component. Theridge may extend from the medial side of the forefoot region through themidfoot region to the lateral side of the heel region. The ridge may besubstantially aligned with the first portion of the intermediatecomponent and the first portion of the bottom component.

The intermediate component may further include a slot forming a toesplit that separates a first toe portion on the medial side of the toeregion from a second toe portion on the lateral side of the toe region.

The protruding portion of the intermediate component may include asecond portion located in the first toe portion of the intermediatecomponent. The protruding portion of the bottom component may include asecond portion located on the medial side of the toe region. The secondportion of the bottom component may be substantially aligned with thesecond portion of the intermediate component.

The bottom component may further have a thickness profile that formswebbing on the bottom surface of the bottom component. The webbing mayinclude a first web portion located around at least a portion of aperiphery of the second portion of the bottom component. The first webportion may be disposed over at least a portion of the slot in theintermediate component.

The first web portion may have a width and thickness sufficient tocontrol a rigidity characteristic of the intermediate component at thetoe split.

The intermediate member may comprise a carbon fiber material.

The sole structure may further comprise an upper component. The uppercomponent may have a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottomsurface of the upper component may be disposed adjacent the top surfaceof the intermediate component.

The upper component may further comprise a protruding portion that formsa concave contour on the top surface of the upper component and acorresponding convex contour on the bottom surface of the uppercomponent. The protruding portion of the upper component may include atleast a first portion that forms a continuous trough at least from themedial side of the forefoot region through the midfoot region to alateral side of the heel region. The first portion of the protrudingportion of the upper component may be aligned with the first portion ofthe intermediate component.

The bottom surface of the upper component may be joined with the topsurface of the intermediate component.

The sole structure may further comprise a chambered component disposedin at least the first portion of the intermediate component.

The sole structure may further comprise a chambered component disposedin the first portion of the upper component.

The sole structure may further comprise a chambered component disposedin the first portion of the intermediate component.

The protruding portion of the intermediate component may include aY-shaped element in the midfoot region.

The protruding portion of the bottom component may include a Y-shapedelement in the midfoot region that aligns with the Y-shaped element ofthe intermediate component.

The sole structure may further comprise a chambered component disposedin at least the first portion of the intermediate component. Thechambered component may include a Y-shaped element in the midfoot regionthat aligns with the Y-shaped element of intermediate component.

The sole structure may further comprise an upper component. The uppercomponent may have a top surface and a bottom surface. The uppercomponent may further comprise a protruding portion that forms a concavecontour on the top surface of the upper component and a correspondingconvex contour on the bottom surface of the upper component. The bottomsurface of the upper component may be disposed adjacent the top surfaceof the intermediate component. The protruding portion of the uppercomponent may include a Y-shaped element in the midfoot region thataligns with the Y-shaped element of the intermediate component.

The sole structure may further comprise a chambered component disposedin at least the first portion of the upper component. The chamberedcomponent may include a Y-shaped element in the midfoot region thataligns with the Y-shaped element of the intermediate component.

The chambered component may include a first portion having a firstvolume density and a second portion having a second volume densitydifferent from the first volume density. The first volume density may belocated at the forefoot region of the sole structure.

In one aspect, an article of footwear may have a sole structureincluding a sole plate formed of a carbon fiber material. The solestructure may have a toe region, a forefoot region, a midfoot region,and a heel region. The sole plate may have a top surface and a bottomsurface. The sole plate may include a protruding portion that forms aconcave contour on the top surface of the sole plate and a correspondingconvex contour on the bottom surface of the sole plate. The protrudingportion may include at least a first portion that forms a continuoustrough at least from a medial side of the forefoot region through themidfoot region to a lateral side of the heel region.

The sole plate may further include a slot forming a toe split thatseparates a first toe portion at the medial side of the toe region froma second toe portion at the lateral side of the toe region. A secondportion of the protruding portion of the sole plate may be located inthe first toe portion.

In another aspect, a method of making a sole structure may includeforming an intermediate component of a first material including carbonfibers. The intermediate component may have a top surface, a bottomsurface, and a protruding portion that forms a concave contour on thetop surface of the intermediate component and a corresponding convexcontour on the bottom surface of the intermediate component. Theprotruding portion may include at least a first portion that forms acontinuous trough at least from a medial side of a forefoot regionthrough a midfoot region to a lateral side of a heel region of theintermediate component. The method may include forming a bottomcomponent of a second material. The bottom component may have a topsurface, an exposed bottom surface, and a protruding portion that formsa concave contour on the top surface of the bottom component and acorresponding convex contour on the bottom surface of the bottomcomponent. The protruding portion of the bottom component may include atleast a first portion that forms a continuous trough at least from amedial side of a forefoot region through a midfoot region to a lateralside of a heel region of the bottom component. The bottom component mayfurther have a thickness profile that forms a continuous ridge on thebottom surface of the bottom component. The ridge may extend from themedial side of the forefoot region through the midfoot region to thelateral side of the heel region. The ridge may be substantially alignedwith the first portion of the bottom component. The method may includejoining the bottom surface of the intermediate component with the topsurface of the bottom component so that the first portion of the bottomcomponent is aligned with the first portion of the intermediatecomponent.

The method may further include forming a chambered component and placingthe chambered component in at least the first portion of theintermediate component.

The method may further include forming an upper component of a thirdmaterial. The upper component may have a top surface, a bottom surface,and a protruding portion that forms a concave contour on the top surfaceof the upper component and a corresponding convex contour on the bottomsurface of the upper component. The protruding portion may include atleast a first portion that forms a continuous trough at least from amedial side of a forefoot region through a midfoot region to a lateralside of a heel region of the upper component. The method may furtherinclude joining the bottom surface of the upper component with the topsurface of the intermediate component so that the first portion of theupper component is aligned with the first portion of the intermediatecomponent and the first portion of the bottom component. The method mayfurther include forming a chambered component and placing the chamberedcomponent in at least the first portion of the intermediate component.

The method may further include bonding the intermediate component to thebottom component using a heat pressing process.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the currentembodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skillin the art upon examination of the following figures and detaileddescription. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods,features, and advantages be included within this description, be withinthe scope of the current embodiments, and be protected by the followingclaims.

Embodiments of articles of footwear in this description have a solestructure including a sole plate with an engineered geometry forcontrolling torsional rigidity of the sole structure. The sole plate andsole structure generally have contoured surface and thickness profilesconfigured to provide a desired asymmetric torsional rigidity profile.The asymmetric torsional rigidity profile includes selected areas ofrelatively high or increased rigidity and/or selected areas ofrelatively high or increased flexibility. The asymmetrical torsionalrigidity may facilitate natural movement of the foot during use of thearticle of footwear and provide improved performance characteristics ofthe article of footwear and the user.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of an article of footwear 100.FIG. 1 is a perspective view of article of footwear 100 viewed from abottom medial side. In some embodiments, article of footwear 100generally includes an upper 101 (shown in dashed lines) and a solestructure 102. FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded isometric view of anembodiment of article of footwear 100 including upper 101 and solestructure 102.

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose article offootwear 100 as having a general configuration suitable for soccer orfootball. Concepts associated with article of footwear 100 also may beapplied to a variety of other athletic footwear types, including runningshoes, baseball shoes, basketball shoes, cross-training shoes, cyclingshoes, football shoes, golf shoes, tennis shoes, walking shoes, andhiking shoes and boots, for example. Concepts associated with article offootwear 100 also may be applied to footwear types that are generallyconsidered to be non-athletic, including dress shoes, loafers, sandals,and work boots, for example. Accordingly, concepts associated witharticle of footwear 100 disclosed herein apply to a wide variety offootwear types.

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose article offootwear 100 as having a sole structure 102 forming a plate (i.e., asole plate or composite sole plate) that includes, for example, a bottomcomponent, an intermediate component, an upper component, and achambered component. Some embodiments may include additional components.For example, in some embodiments article of footwear 100 may include amidsole component or element (not shown) disposed between upper 101 andsole structure 102. In some embodiments a midsole element may be securedto a lower surface of upper 102 (e.g., by stitching, adhesive bonding,or thermal bonding). In some embodiments, one or more portion of amidsole element may be exposed around the periphery of sole structure102. In some embodiments, a midsole element may be covered by anotherelement, such as a material layer of upper 101. A midsole element may beformed from a foamed polymer material, such as polyurethane orethylvinylacetate, and operate to attenuate ground reaction forces assole structure 102 contacts and is compressed against a ground surfaceduring walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. A lower area ofa midsole element may define an area in which a portion of solestructure 102 may be located.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, article of footwear 100 generally has a toeregion 103, a forefoot region 104, a midfoot region 105, and a heelregion 106. Toe region 103 may form a portion of forefoot region 104.Article of footwear 100 also generally has a medial side 107 and alateral side 108. It will be understood that references to toe region103, forefoot region 104, midfoot region 105, heel region 106, medialside 107, and lateral side 108 are only intended for purposes ofdescription and are not intended to demarcate precise portions orregions of sole structure 102.

For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employedthroughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustratedembodiments. The term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detaileddescription and in the claims refers to a direction extending a lengthof a component, such as a sole structure. In some cases, thelongitudinal direction may extend from a forefoot portion to a heelportion of the component. The term “lateral” as used throughout thisdetailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending awidth of a component. In some cases, the lateral direction may extendbetween a medial side and a lateral side of the component, or along thewidth of the component. The terms longitudinal and lateral can be usedwith any component of an article of footwear, including a sole structureas well as individual components of the sole structure.

Sole structure 102 may be joined with upper 101 in various ways indifferent embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, upper 101 may bedepicted as having a substantially conventional configurationincorporating a plurality of material elements (e.g., knit, woven, orother textiles, foam, leather, synthetic leather, and other materials)that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form an interior voidfor securely and comfortably receiving a foot. The material elements maybe selected and located with respect to upper 101 in order toselectively impart properties of durability, air-permeability,wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort, for example. In someembodiments, an ankle opening may be provided in heel region 106 toprovide access to the interior void. In some embodiments, upper 101 mayinclude a lacing system 201 that may be utilized in a conventionalmanner to modify the dimensions of the interior void, thereby securingthe foot within the interior void and facilitating entry and removal ofthe foot from the interior void. For example, in some embodiments lacingsystem 201 may include lacing that extends through apertures in upper101, and a tongue portion 203 of upper 101 may extend between theinterior void and lacing system 201. Because various aspects of thepresent discussion primarily relate to sole structure 102, it will beappreciated that upper 101 may exhibit the general configurationdiscussed above or the general configuration of practically any otherconventional, non-conventional, or later developed upper suitable for adesired application. Accordingly, the overall structure of upper 101 mayvary significantly in different embodiments.

In some embodiments, sole structure 102 may be secured to upper 101 andhas a configuration that extends between upper 101 and a ground surface.In some embodiments, sole structure 102 may extend between upper 101 andanother surface, such as a surface of a soccer ball or other ball. Inaddition to attenuating ground reaction forces (i.e., cushioning thefoot), sole structure 102 may provide traction, impart stability, andfacilitate or limit various foot motions, such as pronation.

Sole structure 102 generally may include plural components (e.g.,members, layers, or elements). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in someembodiments sole structure 102 may include a bottom component 200, anintermediate component 202, an upper component 204, and a chamberedcomponent 206. In some embodiments, upper component 204 may be optional.In some embodiments, chambered component 206 may be optional. In someembodiments, upper component 204 and chambered component 206 may beconstructed as a single component, e.g., as a single molded component.In some embodiments, chambered component 206 may be disposed betweenupper component 204 and intermediate component 202 (in this case, itwill be appreciated that a configuration of upper component 204 may varyto accommodate an assembled configuration of intermediate component 202and chambered component 206). In some embodiments, upper component 204(and optionally chambered component 206) and bottom component 200 may beconstructed as a single component, e.g., as a single molded componentthat encapsulates intermediate component 202. In some embodiments, twoor more of upper component 204, chambered component 206, intermediatecomponent 202, and/or bottom component 200 may be made of one or morematerials that are mold compatible. In some embodiments, bottomcomponent 200 may include one or more types of traction elements.

Some embodiments of sole structure 102 may include at least onecomponent having a construction or configuration for providing desiredrigidity or structural support to sole structure 102. In someembodiments, sole structure 102 may include one or more rigidcomponents. In some embodiments, a rigid component may extend along theentire length of sole structure 102. In some embodiment, however, arigid component may extend along only a portion of sole structure 102. Arigid component may provide the wearer with support in order toaccelerate, provide stability, and/or may control (facilitate or limit)various desired or undesired foot motions.

Some embodiments of sole structure 102 may include at least onecomponent having a construction or configuration for providing desiredflexibility to sole structure 102. In some embodiments, sole structure102 may include one or more flexible components. In some embodiments, aflexible component may extend along the entire length of sole structure102. In some embodiments, however, a flexible component may extend alongonly a portion of sole structure 102. In some embodiments, solestructure 102 may include one flexible component, while in otherembodiments sole structure 102 may include more than one flexiblecomponent. A flexible component may allow or facilitate the foot to bendand/or twist in order to allow the wearer to quickly maneuver, to changedirections, or to accurately position the wearer's foot in a desireddirection or orientation.

Some embodiments of sole structure 102 may include at least onecomponent having a construction or configuration for providing desiredtorsional rigidity to sole structure 102. In some embodiments, at leastone component may be provided with a protruding portion having a surfacecontour or topography throughout at least a portion of a length or widthof sole structure 102 to achieve a desired torsional rigiditycharacteristic in sole structure 102. In some embodiments, a surfacecontour or topography may be configured to increase a torsional rigiditycharacteristic (or decrease a flexibility characteristic) of a region ofsole structure 102 or component of sole structure 102. In someembodiments, a surface contour or topography may be configured todecrease a torsional rigidity characteristic (or increase a flexibilitycharacteristic) of a region of sole structure 102 or component of solestructure 102. For example, in some embodiments a surface contour of acomponent may form a point or series of points that define a region oftorsional rigidity, e.g., an edge of a protruding portion that forms agenerally linear trough in the component may define an axis of torsionalrigidity of the component and sole structure 102. In some embodiments, asurface contour or topography may be provided with a variable contour ortopography that defines a variable torsional rigidity characteristic ina region of the component and sole component 102. For example, in someembodiments a protruding portion that forms a trough having a deeper orwider concave contour at a first portion (e.g., at a first end) than ata second portion (e.g., at a second end) of the trough, and thus mayprovide a different (e.g., greater or lesser) torsional rigidity at thefirst portion (e.g., the first end) than at the second portion (e.g.,the second end) of the trough in the component.

Some embodiments of sole structure 102 may include at least onecomponent having a construction or configuration for minimizing anoverall weight of sole structure 102. For example, in some embodiments,sole structure 102 may include a chambered or porous component (see,e.g., chambered component 206 in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, achambered or porous component or a chambered or porous portion of acomponent may be located in a protruding portion, void, indentation, orcavity formed in one or more other component of sole structure 102. Insome embodiments, a component may include a first portion that has afirst porous or chambered configuration and a second portion that has asecond porous or chambered configuration that is different from thefirst portion. In some embodiments, one of the first chamberedconfiguration and the second chambered configuration may be a solid orsubstantially solid configuration or portion. In some embodiments, anoverall weight of sole structure 102 may be reduced when a porous orchambered component or portion of the component displaces all or aportion of a heavier component or portion of the component, e.g., asolid component or portion of the component made of the same material.

Some embodiments of sole structure 102 may include at least onecomponent having a thickness that varies throughout at least a portionof a length or width of sole structure 102. In some embodiments, a rigidcomponent may have an increased thickness in a region of sole component102 where additional rigidity or structural support is desired. In someembodiments, a rigid component may have decreased thickness in a regionwhere less rigidity or structural support is desired. In someembodiments, a flexible component may have an increased thickness in aregion of sole component 102 where additional rigidity or structuralsupport is desired. In some embodiments, a flexible component may havedecreased thickness in a region where less rigidity or structuralsupport is desired.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments sole structure 102 optionallymay include an upper component 204. In some embodiments, upper component204 may be formed from a generally flexible material. In someembodiments, upper component 204 may be formed from a generally rigidmaterial. In some embodiments, upper component 204 may be a platestructure. Upper component 204 generally has a top surface 211 and abottom surface 212. In some embodiments, upper component 204 may beoriented so that top surface 211 of upper component 204 is facing thewearer's foot. In some embodiments, upper component 204 may be adjacenta lower portion of upper 101. Upper component 204 may serve to adddurability to sole structure 102 and to form a separation barrierbetween other components of sole structure 102 and the wearer's foot.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments sole structure 102 includes anintermediate component 202. In some embodiments, intermediate component202 may be formed from a rigid material. In some embodiments,intermediate component 202 may be formed of a carbon fiber material. Insome embodiments, intermediate component 202 may be an engineered carbonfiber material plate. Intermediate component 202 generally has a topsurface 213 and a bottom surface 214. In some embodiments, intermediatecomponent 202 may be oriented so that top surface 213 of intermediatecomponent 202 is adjacent bottom surface 212 of upper component 204 andfacing the wearer's foot. In some embodiments, at least a portion ofintermediate component 202 (e.g., a peripheral edge portion) may beadjacent a lower portion of upper 101. In some embodiments, intermediatecomponent 202 may serve to provide planar and torsional rigidity to solestructure 102.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments sole structure 102 may include abottom component 200. In some embodiments, bottom component 200 may beformed from a generally wear resistant material. Bottom component 200generally has a top surface 215 and a bottom surface 216. In someembodiments, bottom component 200 may be oriented so that top surface215 of bottom component 200 is adjacent bottom surface 214 ofintermediate component 202 and facing the wearer's foot. In someembodiments, a portion of bottom component 200 (e.g., a peripheral edgeportion) may be adjacent a lower portion of upper 101. In someembodiments, bottom component 200 may include at least one tractionelement exposed on bottom surface 216 of bottom component 200 of solestructure 102 and provide traction relative to a ground surface or othersurface.

In some embodiments, a component (e.g., bottom component 200,intermediate component 202, and optionally upper component 204) may haveat least one protruding portion. A protruding portion may include adepression or concave contour formed on the top surface of thecomponent, while extending out as a corresponding convex contour fromthe bottom surface of the component. Therefore, the term “protrudingportion” as used throughout this description and the claims, generallyrefers to both the depression or concave contour on the top surface ofthe component, as well as the corresponding convex contour on the bottomsurface of the component. Referring to FIG. 2, for example, intermediatecomponent 202 generally includes a protruding portion 240 that forms adepression or concave contour on top surface 213 of intermediatecomponent 202, while also forming a corresponding convex contour onbottom surface 214 of intermediate component 202. Similarly, in someembodiments bottom component 200 may include a protruding portion 250that forms a depression or concave contour on top surface 215 of bottomcomponent 200, while also forming a corresponding convex contour onbottom surface 216 of bottom component 200. And in some embodiments,upper component 204 may include a protruding portion 230 that forms adepression or concave contour on top surface 211 of upper member 204,while also forming a corresponding convex contour on bottom surface 213of upper member 204.

A protruding portion may include one or more elements. An element of aprotruding portion may be formed by one or more contoured surfaces. Insome embodiments, intermediate component 202 may include one or moreelements or contoured surfaces on top surface 213 and bottom surface214. In some embodiments, bottom component 200 may include one or moreelements or contoured surfaces on top surface 215 and bottom surface216. And in some embodiments, optional upper component 204 may includeone or more elements or contoured surfaces on top surface 211 and bottomsurface 212.

Chambered component 206 may include at least one protruding portion.Chambered component 206 generally includes a top surface 217 and abottom surface 218. In some embodiments, chambered component 206 may beoriented so that top surface 217 of chambered component 206 is facingthe wearer's foot. In some embodiments, chambered component 206 may beadjacent a lower portion of upper 101. In some embodiments, at least aportion of top surface 217 may include a surface contour configured tosupport a foot. Chambered component 206 may serve to add rigidity orstructural support to sole structure 102 while reducing an overallweight of sole structure 102.

Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiment optional upper component 204 mayinclude a protruding portion 230. As shown in FIG. 2, in someembodiments protruding portion 230 may include a first element 231located in toe region 103 on medial side 107, a second element 232located in forefoot region 104, a third element 233 located in midfootregion 105, and a fourth element 234 located in heel region 106. In someembodiments, an element of protruding portion 230 may include more thanone element portion. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in someembodiments element 233 generally may have a Y-shaped configurationformed by a first element portion 235 generally located on medial side107 and a second element portion 236 generally located on lateral side108. In some embodiments, element 234 may include an element portion 238located on medial side 107. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodimentselement 231, element 232, element 233 (including element portion 235 andelement portion 236), and element 234 (including element portion 238)may form continuous contiguous elements of a single protruding portion230. In some embodiments, one or more of element 231, element 232,element 233 (including element portion 235 and element portion 236), andelement 234 (including element portion 238) may be discontinuous.

Similarly, intermediate component 202 may include a protruding portion240. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments protruding portion 240 mayinclude a first element 241 located in toe region 103 on medial side107, a second element 242 located in forefoot region 104, a thirdelement 243 located in midfoot region 105, and a fourth element 244located in heel region 106. In some embodiments, an element ofprotruding portion 240 may include more than one element portion. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments element 243 generallymay have a Y-shaped configuration formed by a first element portion 245generally located at medial side 107 and a second element portion 246generally located at lateral side 108. In some embodiments, element 244may include an element portion 248 located at medial side 107. As shownin FIG. 2, in some embodiments element 241, element 242, element 243(including element portion 245 and element portion 246), and element 244(including element portion 248) may form continuous contiguous elementsof a single protruding portion 240. In some embodiments, one or more ofelement 241, element 242, element 243 (including element portion 245 andelement portion 246), and element 244 (including element portion 248)may be discontinuous.

Similarly, bottom component 200 may include a protruding portion 250. Asshown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments protruding portion 250 may includea first element 251 located in toe region 103 on medial side 107, asecond element 252 located in forefoot region 104, a third element 253located in midfoot region 105, and a fourth element 254 located in heelregion 106. In some embodiments, an element of protruding portion 250may include more than one element portion. For example, as shown in FIG.2, in some embodiments element 253 generally may have a Y-shapedconfiguration formed by a first element portion 255 generally located atmedial side 107 and a second element portion 256 generally located atlateral side 108. In some embodiment, element portion 254 may include anelement portion 258 located at medial side 107. As shown in FIG. 2, insome embodiments element 251, element 252, element 253 (includingelement portion 255 and element portion 256), and element 254 (includingelement portion 258) may form continuous congruous elements of a singleprotruding portion 250. In some embodiments, one or more of element 251,element 252, element 253 (including element portion 255 and elementportion 256), and element 254 (including element portion 258) may bediscontinuous.

The number of protruding portions or elements of protruding portions ofintermediate component 202, bottom component 200, and optionally uppercomponent 204 may vary in different embodiments. For example, in someembodiments, the number of protruding portions or elements of protrudingportions may vary depending on a number of other features of solestructure 102, such as an overall size of sole structure 102 or a numberor arrangement of traction elements disposed on bottom component 200.

A geometry of a protruding portion or element of a protruding portion ofa component may vary in different embodiments. A shape of a protrudingportion or element of a protruding portion in top plan view or bottomplan view may vary in different embodiments. A shape of a protrudingportion or element of a protruding portion in profile or sectionalshape, e.g., in vertical depth or height profile, may vary in differentembodiments. For example, in some embodiments a protruding portion orelement may be generally rounded or dome-like in shape. In someembodiments, a protruding portion or element may be generally square orrectangular in shape in plan view. In some embodiments, a protrudingportion or element may be triangular in shape in plan view. In someembodiments, a protruding portion or element may have a Y-shapedconfiguration in plan view. It will be understood that a protrudingportion or element may be formed in a wide variety of shapes in planview, including but not limited to: hexagonal, circular, square,rectangular, trapezoidal, diamond, ovoid, as well as other regular orirregular geometric or non-geometric shapes. Similarly, it will beunderstood that a protruding portion or element may be formed in a widevariety of shapes in profile or sectional view, including but notlimited to: cylindrical, conical, conical frustum, circular, square,rectangular, rectangular frustum, trapezoidal, parabolic, parabolicfrustrum, as well as other regular or irregular geometric ornon-geometric shapes.

Geometries of protruding portions or elements of protruding portions ofadjacent components may vary in different embodiments. In someembodiments, protruding portions or elements of protruding portions oftwo components of sole structure 102 may have a common geometry thatallows the two components to be disposed on one another so that theprotruding portion (or element) of one component is received in theprotruding portion (or element) of another component, e.g., the twocomponents may be disposed in a stacked, interfitting, or nested manner.For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments a geometry ofprotruding portions or elements of the protruding portions ofintermediate component 202 and bottom component 200 may correspond suchthat intermediate component 202 may be disposed on bottom component 200in a stacked, interfitting, or nested manner. Similarly, as shown inFIG. 2, in some embodiments a geometry of protruding portions orelements of the protruding portions of upper component 204, intermediatecomponent 202, and bottom component 200 may correspond such that uppercomponent 204 and intermediate component 202 may be disposed on bottomcomponent 200 in a stacked, interfitting, or nested manner.

In some embodiments, sole structure 102 may include a chamberedcomponent 206. A configuration of chambered component 206, includingsize and shape (geometry) and construction, may vary in differentembodiments. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments a configuration ofchambered component 206 generally may vary in correspondence with aprotruding portion of another component of sole structure 102. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments a geometry of chamberedcomponent 206 generally may correspond with one or more elements ofprotruding portion 230 of upper component 204. As shown in FIG. 2, insome embodiments a geometry of chambered component 206 generally maycorrespond with one or more elements of protruding portion 240 ofintermediate member 202. And as shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments ageometry of chambered component 206 generally may correspond with one ormore elements of protruding portion 250 of bottom component 200. It willbe appreciated that, as shown in FIG. 2, in this manner chamberedcomponent 206 also may be disposed in a stacked, interfitting, or nestedmanner with upper component 204, intermediate component 206, and/orbottom component 200. It also will be appreciated that, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, in this manner chambered component 206 may be disposed ina stacked, interfitting, or nested manner with upper 101, uppercomponent 204, intermediate component 206, and/or bottom component 200.

A geometry of chambered component 206 may vary in different embodiments.As shown in FIG. 2, a geometry of chambered component 206 may correspondto one or more elements of another component of sole structure 102. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments chambered component 206may have a first element 261 located in a toe region 103 on medial side107, a second element 262 located in forefoot region 104, a thirdelement 263 located in midfoot region 105, and a fourth element 264located in heel region 106. In some embodiments, an element of chamberedcomponent 206 may include more than one element portion. For example, asshown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments element 263 generally may have aY-shaped configuration formed by a first element portion 265 generallylocated at medial side 107 and a second element portion 266 generallylocated at lateral side 108. In some embodiments, element 264 mayinclude an element portion 268 generally located at medial side 108. Asshown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments element 261, element 262, element263 (including element portion 265 and element portion 266), and element264 (including element portion 268) may form continuous contiguouselements of a single chambered component 206. In some embodiments, oneor more of element 261, element 262, element 263 (including elementportion 265 and element portion 266), and element 264 (including elementportion 268) may be discontinuous. It will be appreciated that ageometry of chambered component 206 may include any other regular orirregular geometrical or non-geometrical shape corresponding with atleast one element or portion of another component of sole structure 102.

Chambered component 206 may function to increase a rigidity (i.e.,strengthen) of sole structure 102 while at the same time decreasing anoverall weight of sole structure 102. In some embodiments chamberedcomponent 206 may be made from a material or mixture of materials thatis different than a material or materials of other components of solestructure 102, i.e., a material or mixture of materials that is lighterthan a material of another component. In some embodiments, chamberedcomponent 206 may be made from the same material as one or more othercomponents, but have a porous or chambered construction. In someembodiments, chambered component 206 may be made from recycled materialused to make up one or more other components. It will be appreciatedthat decreasing the weight of sole structure 102 may allow the wearer tomove more quickly and efficiently, therefore enhancing the wearer'sperformance.

A construction of chambered component 206 may vary in differentembodiments. In some embodiments, at least a portion of chamberedcomponent 206 may be porous or include a plurality of internal chambers.In other words, a volume of at least a portion of chambered component206 may include a plurality of open or closed cells or cavities that maybe partitioned off from one another, e.g., by cell walls. For example,in some embodiments a volume of one or more elements of chamberedcomponent 206 may be formed by a plurality of hexagon-shaped columnsforming a honeycomb pattern. In some embodiments, a volume of at least aportion of chambered component 206 may be formed by a plurality of anygeometrically-shaped columns. In some embodiments, chambered component206 variously may be formed by a plurality of ribs, ridges, webs, orother protuberances formed on top surface 217 of chambered component206. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in some embodiments a volumeof element 263 (including element portion 265 and element portion 266)and element 264 (including element portion 268) of chambered component206 may be formed by a plurality of intersecting or cross-hatched walls.As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments at least an element or a portionof chambered component 206 may be solid or substantially solid. Forexample, in some embodiments element 261 in toe region 103 and element262 in forefoot region 104 may be solid or substantially solid. It willbe appreciated that this configuration may provide a smooth continuoustop surface 217 below a portion of a user's foot that is pressuresensitive, such as the balls of the foot and a lower portion of the bigtoe.

A location of protruding portions or elements of protruding portions incomponents of sole structure 102 may vary in different embodiments. Forexample, in some embodiments the location of element 245 of protrudingportion 240 of intermediate component 202 may vary. In some embodiments,a location of protruding portion 240 of intermediate component 202 mayvary in a longitudinal direction of sole structure 102. For example, insome embodiments protruding portion 240 may be shifted in a longitudinaldirection so that element 245 is located further toward heel region 106,to locate an axis of torsional rigidity of sole structure 102 closer toheel region 106.

Sole structure 102 may include one or more traction elements. In someembodiments, a traction element may be a cleat member. The term “cleatmember” as used in this description and throughout the claims includesany exposed structure disposed on a sole structure for increasingtraction through friction or penetration of a ground surface. Typically,cleat members may be configured for any type of activity that requirestraction. In some embodiments, a traction element may be any exposedstructure disposed on a surface of the sole structure configured forincreasing traction through friction relative to any other surface, suchas a ground surface or a surface of a ball.

In some embodiments, bottom component 200 may include a plurality oftraction elements disposed on bottom surface 216. In some embodiments, atraction element may form a cleat member. For example, as shown FIG. 1,in some embodiments bottom component 200 may include a first tractionelement 121, a second traction element 122, and a third traction element123 on medial side 107 of toe region 103, and a fourth traction element124 on lateral side 108 of toe region 103, fifth traction element 131 onmedial side 107 of forefoot region 104, a sixth traction element 132 ina central region of forefoot region 104, and a seventh traction element133 on lateral side 108 of forefoot region 104, an eight tractionelement 141 and a ninth traction element (rear medial heel tractionelement) 142 on medial side 107 of heel region 106, and a tenth tractionelement 143 and an eleventh traction element (rear lateral heel tractionelement) 144 on lateral side 108 of heel region 106. As shown in FIG. 1,in some embodiments each of these traction elements generally may form ablade cleat member.

A configuration of a traction element forming a cleat member, includingat least size and shape, may vary in different embodiments. For example,as shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments (e.g., traction element 121,traction element 122, and traction element 123) a traction element mayhave a generally curved planar shape, e.g., forming a curved bladecleat. In some embodiments (e.g., traction element 131, traction element141, traction element 142, traction element 143, and traction element144), a traction element may have a generally flat planar shape, e.g.,forming a straight blade cleat. In some embodiments (e.g., tractionelement 124, traction element 132, and traction element 133), a tractionelement may have an angled planar shape, e.g., forming a chevron-shapedcleat or right-angled-shaped blade cleat. In some embodiments, atraction element may have any regular or irregular geometric ornon-geometric shape.

A traction element may include an additional support structure. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments (e.g., traction element121, traction element 122, traction element 123, traction element 124,traction element 131, traction element 132, traction element 133,traction element 141, traction element 142, traction element 143, andtraction element 144), a traction element (cleat member) may include abase support webbing. In some embodiments, traction element 121,traction element 122, and traction element 123 are supported at webportion 111 that is formed by a thickened portion of bottom component200 at medial side 107 of toe region 103, and traction element 124 issupported at web portion 112 that is formed by a thickened portion ofbottom component 200 at lateral side 108 of toe region 103. Similarly,in some embodiments traction element 131, traction element 132, tractionelement 133 are supported at web portion 113 that is formed by athickened portion of bottom component 200 and generally extendslaterally at forefoot region 104. In some embodiments (e.g., tractionelement 124, traction element 131, and traction element 133), a tractionelement (cleat member) may include an additional longitudinal supportstructure, such as a buttress located adjacent at least one longitudinalend of a blade cleat member. In some embodiments (e.g., traction element131, traction element 141, traction element 142, traction element 143,and traction element 144), a traction element (cleat member) may beassociated with additional lateral support structure, such as a buttresslocated at a lateral side of a blade cleat member. In some embodiments(e.g., traction element 141 and traction element 142 or traction element143 and traction element 144), at least two traction elements may beconnected with one another by common support structure, such as a commonbuttress or web structure connecting longitudinal ends of two adjacentblade cleat members elements. In each case, a support structure (such asa web, buttress, rib, ridge, or other support structure) may be formedby a thickened portion of the thickness profile of bottom component 200.

In some embodiments, a traction element may be combined with anotherstructure of the sole component configured to perform another function.For example, as shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments sole structure 102may include a twelfth traction element 151 and/or thirteenth tractionelement 152. In some embodiments, twelfth traction element 151 and/orthirteenth traction element 152 may form a crescent-shaped ridge. Forexample, in some embodiments twelfth traction element 151 and thirteenthtraction element 152 may form an outer toe perimeter ball controltraction element and an inner toe ball control traction element,respectively, for facilitating control of a soccer ball (see, e.g.,soccer ball 700 in FIG. 7). A number and size of these traction elementsmay vary. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, traction element 151 andtraction element 152 may be different sizes (including, e.g., length,width, and height). In some embodiments, traction element 151 andtraction element 152 may be approximately the same size. A number oftraction elements for ball control may vary in different embodiments.

In some embodiments, a traction element may be combined with a furtherstructure of the sole structure for performing a further function. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments bottom component 200 ofsole structure 102 may include a rib 110 disposed on bottom surface 216and, in some embodiments rib 110 may include a fourteenth tractionelement 161. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments traction element161 may include a plurality of projections (e.g., teeth) formed on anexposed bottom surface of rib 110. As shown in FIG. 1, rib 110 may beconfigured to extend diagonally (i.e., longitudinally and laterally)from a medial side 107 at forefoot region 104 through midfoot region 105to a lateral side 108 of heel region 106. In some embodiments, aconfiguration (including a direction of extension) of rib 110 andtraction element 161 may correspond to a direction of natural footmovement in a walking or running stride, e.g., from a heel strikelocation at a lateral heel region to a toe off location at a medialforefoot or medial toe region. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodimentsprojections (teeth) of traction element 161 may be raked, e.g., angledforward or rearward along a direction of natural foot movement instride, to facilitate desired traction with a soccer ball (see, e.g.,traction element 161 and soccer ball 700 in FIG. 8).

A traction element may have a composite construction that varies indifferent embodiments. In some embodiments, a traction element may be ablade cleat that includes a rigid blade member or insert. As shown inFIG. 1, in some embodiments one or more of traction element 121,traction element 122, traction element 123, traction element 124,traction element 131, traction element 132, traction element 133,traction element 141, traction element 142, traction element 143, andtraction element 144 may include a rigid blade member or insert. Forexample, in some embodiments traction element (blade cleat) 131 mayinclude a rigid blade member or insert 171 (shown in phantom). In someembodiments, a rigid blade member or insert may be made of metal. Insome embodiments, a rigid blade member or insert may be made of a hardplastic material, such as nylon. In some embodiments (e.g., tractionelement 141 and traction element 141; or traction element 143 andtraction element 144), two traction elements may share a common blademember or insert. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, in some embodimentstraction element 141 and traction element 142 may share a common rigidblade member or insert 172. It will be appreciated that thisconfiguration may provide a desired common degree of rigidity to thesetraction element structures. In some embodiments, this configuration mayprovide a desired degree of overall traction and stability of solestructure 102 relative to a ground surface. In some embodiments, a blademember or insert may be completely embedded in a traction element, toprovide a desired rigidity characteristic for the traction element. Insome embodiments, a blade member or insert may include an exposedportion, e.g., that protrudes from a bottom surface of a tractionelement, for engaging or penetrating a ground surface. In someembodiments, a blade member or insert may be joined with a tractionelement by a molding process. Those skilled in the art will appreciatealternative structures and methods for making a traction elementincluding a blade cleat or inserts suitable for a desired article offootwear and use.

The number and location of traction elements in bottom component 200 mayvary in different embodiments. Although bottom component 200 illustratedin FIG. 1 includes a total of eleven traction elements formed as cleatmembers, two traction elements formed as ball control elements in thetoe region, and one traction element formed as a toothed ball controlelement on a diagonal rib in the midfoot region, other embodiments mayinclude more or fewer traction elements configured for performingsimilar or other functions. For example, in some embodiments bottomcomponent 200 may include at least one traction element for ball controlat heel region 106.

Assembled Sole Structure Features

A bottom component, intermediate component, optional upper component,and/or optional chambered component variously may be assembled togetherto form an assembled or composite sole structure. For example, as shownin FIG. 2, in some embodiments bottom component 200, intermediatecomponent 202, optional upper component 204, and optional chamberedcomponent 206 variously may be assembled together to form assembled solestructure 102. In some embodiments, assembled sole structure 102 may bea composite plate, i.e., a composite sole plate.

FIGS. 3 to 14 illustrate various views and features of an embodiment ofassembled sole structure 102 of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 is a top plan viewof an embodiment of sole structure 102 of FIGS. 1 and 2, and FIG. 4 is aperspective view of sole structure 102 of FIG. 3 viewed from a toplateral side. In FIGS. 3 and 4, upper component 204 is illustrated asbeing composed of a clear material (see dotted lines at the periphery ofupper component 204), and intermediate component 202 is shown by stippleshading to illustrate relative configurations and features of thevarious components of an embodiment of assembled sole structure 102.Similarly, FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of sole structure 102 of FIG. 3,and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of sole structure 102 of FIG. 3 viewedfrom a bottom medial side. In FIGS. 5 and 6, bottom component 200 isillustrated as being composed of a clear material to illustrate featuresof other components of sole structure 102, and intermediate component204 is illustrated by stipple shading to illustrate relativeconfigurations and features of the various components of an embodimentof assembled sole structure 102. FIG. 7 is a lateral side view of thesole structure of FIG. 3, and FIG. 8 is a medial side view of the solestructure of FIG. 3.

Construction and features of the assembled sole structure also may beillustrated by sectional views. FIG. 5 includes several section lines atdifferent points along a longitudinal length of sole structure 102corresponding to sectional views illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 14. FIG. 9 isa cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 5, taken alongsection line 9-9 in FIG. 5. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of thesole structure of FIG. 5, taken along section line 10-10 in FIG. 5. FIG.11 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 5, takenalong section line 11-11 in FIG. 5, and FIG. 12 is a perspective view ofthe heel region of the sole structure viewed along section line 11-11 ofFIG. 5. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG.5, taken along section line 13-13 in FIG. 5. And FIG. 14 is across-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 5, taken alongsection line 14-14 in FIG. 5.

Components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 variously may be assembled and/orjoined with one another in different embodiments. In some embodiments,components shown in FIG. 1 may be joined together to form article offootwear 100. In some embodiments, components shown in FIG. 2 may bejoined together to form sole structure 102 or article of footwear 100.In some embodiments, the bottom surface 218 of chambered component 206may be placed in, and attached to (e.g., by bonding), protruding portion230 located in the top surface 211 of upper component 204. In someembodiments, the bottom surface 218 of chambered component 206 may beplaced in, and attached to (e.g., by bonding), protruding portion 240located in the top surface 213 of intermediate component 202. In someembodiments, upper component 204 may be place on and attached to (e.g.,by bonding) intermediate component 202. In some embodiments, the bottomsurface 212 of upper component 204 may be joined with the top surface213 of intermediate component 202, e.g., by bonding. In someembodiments, the top surface 217 of chambered component 206 may also beattached to the bottom surface 218 of upper component 204, e.g. bybonding. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 214 of intermediatecomponent 202 may be attached to the top surface 215 of bottom component200, e.g., by bonding.

Interfitting or Nested Features

In some embodiments, protruding portions in each component may bealigned or mated with one another e.g., in a stacked, interfitting ornested manner, when forming assembled sole structure 102. In someembodiments, protruding portion 230 in upper component 204, protrudingportion 240 in intermediate component 202, and protruding portion 250 inbottom component 200 may be mated, e.g., in a stacked, interfitting, ornested manner, when forming sole structure 102. In particular, theconvex surface portion of protruding portion 230 in upper component 204may fit into the depression or concave surface portion of protrudingportion 240 in intermediate component 202. Likewise, the convex surfaceportion of protruding portion 240 in intermediate component 202 may fitinto the depression or concave surface portion of protruding portion 250in bottom component 200.

General Sole Structure Rigidity Features

A rigidity (flexibility) characteristic or profile of sole structure 102may vary in different embodiments. In some embodiments, a rigidity ofsole structure 102 may be increased by joining chambered component 206with at least one of upper component 204 and intermediate component 202.FIG. 2 generally shows an embodiment of sole structure 102 including arelationship between chambered component 206, upper component 204, andintermediate component 202, where upper component 204 includesprotruding portion 230 formed to stack, interfit, or nest withprotruding portion 240 of intermediate component 202. In this case, avolume of chambered component 206 may be configured to be accommodatedin protruding portion 230 in upper component 204. In some embodiments,the concave surface forming protruding portion 230 may support thebottom surface 218 of chambered component 206. In other embodiments(e.g., where optional upper component 204 is not included, or whereupper component 204 is disposed on a top surface of chambered component206 (not shown in FIG. 2)), a volume of chambered component 206 may beconfigured to be accommodated directly in protruding portion 240 ofintermediate component 202.

A surface configuration and associated rigidity of components of solestructure 102 may vary in different embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2, insome embodiments intermediate component 202 may include at leastprotruding portion 240. In some embodiments, protruding portion 240 mayinclude multiple elements or element portions. For example, as shown inFIG. 2, in some embodiments protruding portion 240 of intermediatecomponent 202 may include at least first element 241 in toe region 103,second element 242 in forefoot region 105, third element 243 in midfootregion 105, and fourth element 244 in heel region 106, where thirdelement 243 may be Y-shaped and include fifth element portion 245generally located on medial side 107 and sixth element portion 246located on lateral side 108, and element 244 may include element portion248 on medial side 107. In some embodiments, each element may have anyregular or non-regular geometric or non-geometric configuration(including shape in plan view). In some embodiments, contoured surfacesof intermediate component 202 may be engineered to include roundedcontour or transition surface(s). In some embodiments, surface contoursof intermediate component 202 may be engineered to include generallysquared contour or transition surface(s). It will be appreciated thatthe surface contours of these elements may provide intermediatecomponent 202 with a desired rigidity characteristic or profile, e.g., adesired planar rigidity characteristic and torsional rigiditycharacteristic (discussed further below).

In some embodiments, base component 200 and/or upper component 204 mayhave corresponding surface contour configurations and bottom component200, intermediate component 202, and optional upper component 204 may bearranged in a stacked, interfitting, or nested manner. It will beappreciated that the surface contours of these elements and componentsmay provide the respective and/or collective component(s) with a desiredrigidity characteristic or profile, e.g., a desired planar rigiditycharacteristic and torsional rigidity characteristic (further discussedbelow), that facilitates formation of a desired axis of torsionalrigidity in sole structure 102. Those skilled in the art readily will beable to select surface contours for achieving a desired configurationand rigidity characteristic or rigidity profile for each element,component, sole structure 102, and article of footwear 100 consistentwith this disclosure.

Toe Region Rigidity Features

A configuration and associated rigidity (or flexibility) profile of solestructure 102 in toe region 103 may vary in different embodiments. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 and 9, in some embodiments solestructure 102 may be provided with a toe split structure that enables afirst range of motion for one portion of toe region 103, i.e., a portionlocated below the big toe at medial side 107 of toe region 103, and asecond range of motion for another portion of toe region 103, i.e., aportion below the remainder of the toes generally located at lateralside 108 of toe region 103. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 and 9, in someembodiments sole structure 102 may be configured to modify or control arigidity (or flexibility) profile of sole structure 102 in toe region103 to provide a desired range of motion in toe region 103.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments intermediate component 202 mayinclude a slot 270 formed in toe region 103 that separates toe region103 into a first or medial toe portion 271 and a second or lateral toeportion 272. As shown in FIG. 2, with this configuration medial toeportion 271 may have a first range of motion (degree of freedom) in avertical or up and down direction generally indicated by arrow 273, andlateral toe portion 272 may have a second range of motion (degree offreedom) in a vertical or up and down direction generally indicated byarrow 274. It will be appreciated that range of motion 273 and range ofmotion 274 may vary based on a number of factors including, but notlimited to, the material of intermediate component 202, a configurationof intermediate component 202 at toe region 103 (including at leastthickness and surface configuration), a length L_(TS) 275 of slot 270, awidth W_(TS) 276 of slot 270, and a shape of slot 270. It also will beappreciated that, in some embodiments, range of motion 273 and range ofmotion 274 may be at least partially independent for intermediatecomponent 202 in a stand-alone configuration.

A range of motion of medial toe portion 271 and lateral toe portion 272may be modified or controlled in assembled sole structure 102. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 9, in some embodimentsintermediate component 202 may be assembled with and/or joined to bottomcomponent 200 and upper component 204 as a single composite sole platestructure, e.g., by molding or bonding process. It will be appreciatedthat, with such construction, a range of motion of medial toe portion271 and a range of motion of lateral toe portion 272 may be reduced,limited, or modified, e.g., in an amount and/or direction of range ofmotion.

A range of motion of medial toe portion 271 and a range of motion oflateral toe portion 272 may be modified or controlled by controlling aconfiguration and construction of intermediate component 202 and othercomponents of sole component 102. As shown in FIG. 9, in someembodiments intermediate component 202 may be formed as a thin plate ofrigid material, e.g., composed of a carbon fiber and having aconfiguration including a protruding portion 240 and a slot 270, asdiscussed above. In some embodiments, upper component 204 may be formedas a thin plate or protective layer of material having a similarconfiguration including a protruding portion 230, as discussed above. Insome embodiments base component 200 may be formed of a wear resistantmaterial and having a similar configuration including a protrudingportion 250, as discussed above. A composite structure includingstacked, interfitted, or nested surface contours of protruding portion230 (e.g., including portion 231), protruding portion 240 (e.g.,including portion 241), and protruding portion 250 (e.g., includingportion 251) may modify a rigidity (flexibility) characteristic andprofile of sole structure 102 in toe region 103.

In some embodiments, bottom component 200 may have a thickness profilethat facilitates control or modification of a rigidity characteristicand profile of intermediate component 202 and sole structure 102 at toeregion 103, e.g., at the toe split. For example, in some embodimentsbottom component 200 may have a thickness profile at toe region 103 thatincludes portions that are thicker, to increase localized rigidity (toreduce or limit flexibility) and portions that are thinner, to decreaselocalized rigidity (to increase or facilitate flexibility). As shown inFIGS. 1, 5, 6, and 9, in some embodiments bottom component 200 mayinclude a thickened portion that forms a web 111 on bottom surface 216of bottom component 200. In some embodiments, web 111 may be providedaround at least a portion of a perimeter of element 241 of protrudingportion 240 of intermediate component 202 (e.g., around at least aportion of a perimeter of corresponding element 251 of protrudingportion 250 of base component 200). In some embodiments, web 111 maycover at least a portion of slot 270. As shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, insome embodiments web 111 may be provided around an entire perimeter ofelement 241 of protruding portion 240 of intermediate component 202 andcover substantially an entirety of slot 270. As shown in FIG. 9, in someembodiments slot 270 of intermediate component 202 may have a widthW_(TS) 900 (see also 276 in FIG. 2), bottom component 200 generally mayhave a nominal thickness T_(B) 901, and web 111 may have a width W_(W)902, an exposed height H_(W) 904, and an overall thickness T_(W) 905; itwill be appreciated that one or more of these dimensions may be selectedto modify or control a rigidity characteristic of medial toe portion 271and lateral toe portion 272, e.g., to modify or control flexion relativeto a centerline 910 of slot 270 of the toe split (see also centerline320 of slot 270 in FIGS. 3 to 5). In some embodiments, web 111 may havea width W_(W) 902, thickness T_(W) 905 and thickness ratio T_(W)905/T_(B) 901 selected to modify or control a desired range of motion(indicated by arrow 906; see also arrow 321 in FIGS. 3 to 5) of first ormedial toe portion 271 and a range of motion (indicated by arrow 908;see also arrow 322 in FIGS. 3 to 5) of second or lateral toe portion272. It will be appreciated that rigidity generally will increase as athickness of web 111 increases; similarly rigidity generally willincrease as a width of web 111 increases; similarly, rigidity generallywill increase as a ratio T_(W) 905/T_(B) 901 increases.

A location of web 111 may modify a rigidity characteristic or profile oftoe region 103 at the toe split. As shown in FIG. 9, in some embodimentsa thickness profile of bottom component 200 may be configured so thatweb 111 and slot 270 have a common centerline 910. In some embodiments,however, a thickness profile of bottom component 200 may be configuredso that a centerline of web 111 is offset from a centerline of slot 270.In this case, a range of motion or flexion of one of medial toe portion271 and lateral toe portion 272 may be greater (e.g., more flexible)that a range of motion or flexion of the other one of medial toe portion271 and lateral toe portion 272. In this manner, a desired rigidity(flexibility) characteristic or profile may be provided for solestructure 102 at toe region 103, e.g., at the toe split by controllingat least one of these dimensions or relative dimensions.

It will be appreciated that controlling a rigidity (flexibility)characteristic of sole structure 102 at the toe split may enable a userto achieve a desired performance characteristic. For example,controlling a rigidity (flexibility) characteristic of sole structure102 at the toe split may enable control of linear acceleration of medialtoe portion 271 during a toe off process portion of a stride, rotationalacceleration about toe portion 271 when changing directions, sensitivityor touch characteristic for ball control (see, e.g., soccer ball 700shown in dashed in lines in FIG. 7), or another performancecharacteristic of sole structure 102 and article of footwear 100.

A configuration of toe region 103 including a toe split and protrudingportion at medial side 107 of toe region 103 may provide improvedcomfort and performance. As shown in FIG. 9, in some embodiments element231 of protruding portion 230 of upper component 204, corresponding toelement 241 of protruding portion 240 of intermediate component 202located at medial side 107 of toe region 103, provides a top surfacecontour that is located below the top surface 211 of upper component 204at lateral side 108 of toe region 103. It will be appreciated that, withthis configuration, a big toe located on medial side 107 generally maybe supported at a height or level below a height or level of toeslocated on lateral side 108. In some cases this configuration mayprovide a desired improvement in comfort and performance of solestructure 102 and article of footwear 100.

Forefoot Region Rigidity Features

In some embodiments, sole structure 102 may be configured to provideincreased rigidity and support in forefoot region 104. In someembodiments, it may be desirable to provide increased rigidity andsupport across a portion or substantially an entirety of a lateral widthof sole structure 102 and article of footwear 100, e.g., beneath theballs of the foot.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of sole structure 102 having increasedrigidity and support at forefoot region 104, e.g., beneath the balls ofthe foot. As shown in FIG. 10, in some embodiments intermediatecomponent 202 may be provided with element 242 of protruding portion 240at forefoot region 104 having a surface contour configured to provideincreased rigidity and support at forefoot region 104, e.g., beneath theballs of the foot. As shown in FIG. 10, in some embodiments uppercomponent 206 similarly may include corresponding element 232 ofprotruding portion 230 having a surface contour configured to provideincreased rigidity at forefoot region 104. As shown in FIG. 10, in someembodiments bottom component 200 similarly may include correspondingelement 252 of protruding portion 250 having a surface contourconfigured to provide increased rigidity at forefoot region 104. Asshown in FIGS. 2 and 10, with this configuration (including nestedelement 232, element 242, and element 252) chambered component 206 mayinclude nested element 262 configured to provide a desired increasedthickness or depth profile and associated rigidity and support inforefoot region 104, e.g., beneath the balls of the foot. In someembodiments, element 262 of chambered component 206 may be provided witha thickness profile having a greater or greatest thickness T_(CC) 1002at a location nested within element 232 of protruding portion 230,element 242 of protruding portion 240, and element 252 of protrudingportion 250.

A construction and configuration of chambered component 206 further maymodify or control a rigidity characteristic and support at forefootregion 104. In some embodiments, element 262 of chambered component 206may be provided with a greater volume density (e.g., smaller pores orchambers and/or thicker chamber walls) within element 232 of protrudingportion 230, element 242 of protruding portion 240, and element 252 ofprotruding portion 250. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 10, in someembodiments element 262 of chambered component 206 may be provided witha solid or substantially solid volume within element 232 of protrudingportion 230, element 242 of protruding portion 240, and element 252 ofprotruding portion 250. It will be appreciated that each of the aboveconstructions may provide a desired increase in rigidity (e.g., planarrigidity) and support in forefoot region 104, e.g., below the balls ofthe foot.

In some embodiments, a configuration of components of sole structure 102may facilitate modification and control of a rigidity characteristic offorefoot region 104. As shown in FIG. 10, in some embodiments bottomcomponent 200 may have a thickness profile at forefoot region 104 thatincreases a thickness and associated rigidity of bottom component 200and article of footwear 100. For example, a thickness T_(BFF) 1004 ofbottom component 200 beneath at least a portion of element 262 ofchambered component 206 may be greater than a nominal thickness T_(B)901 of bottom component 200 (e.g., in adjacent portions of forefootregion 104). For example, in some embodiments bottom component 200 mayhave a thickness profile having an increased thickness that forms web112 that extends laterally across a width of forefoot region 104 beneathelement 262 of chambered component 206 (see also FIGS. 1, 5, and 6).

Forefoot Flex Zone Features

A configuration and associated rigidity profile (or flexibility profile)of sole structure 102 in forefoot region 104 may vary in differentembodiments. In some embodiments, a configuration of sole structure 102may be selected to have a rigidity or flexibility profile that providesat least one flex zone. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, insome embodiments a configuration of sole structure 102 may have arigidity profile that provides a first flex zone 501 generally locatedbetween a first traction element group consisting of traction element121, traction element 151, and traction element 152 and a secondtraction element group consisting of traction element 122, tractionelement 123, and traction element 124. As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, insome embodiments toe region 103 of sole structure 102 generally may flexabout a plane 503 in flex zone 501, as indicated by arrow 701 in FIGS. 7and 8. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, in some embodiments aconfiguration of sole structure 102 may have a rigidity provide thatprovides a second flex zone 502 generally located between the secondtraction element group consisting of traction element 122, tractionelement 123, and traction element 124 and a third traction element groupconsisting of traction element 131, traction element 132, and tractionelement 133. As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, in some embodiments forefootregion 104 of sole structure 102 generally may flex about a plane 504 inzone 502, e.g., as indicated by arrow 702 in FIGS. 7 and 8. It will beappreciated that the configuration of sole structure 102 in FIGS. 1 to10 may include an increased rigidity characteristic in a portion offorefoot region 104 having an increased thickness and/or volume densityof element 262 of chambered component 206 in forefoot region 104. Itwill be appreciated that in some embodiments flex zone 501 and flex zone502 may be facilitated by a thickness profile of bottom component 200.For example, as discussed above, an increased rigidity of element 262 ofchambered component 206 may be associated with an increased thicknessprofile of web 113 and the third group of traction elements of bottomcomponent 200. Similarly, flex zone 501 may be associated with anincreased thickness profile of web 111, web 112, and the second group oftraction elements of bottom component 200. It will be appreciated thatthe configuration of FIGS. 1 to 10, including a thickness and rigidityprofile provided by flex zone 501 and flex zone 502, may provide a flexcharacteristic or profile that is desirable for achieving variousperformance characteristics. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, in someembodiments this configuration and rigidity profile may provide a flexcharacteristic in forefoot region 104 that facilitates a desiredsensitivity or feel of the article of footwear, e.g., for controlling asoccer ball 700 (“ball control”).

Midfoot Region Rigidity Features

A construction and configuration of sole structure 102 may provide adesired asymmetric axis of torsional rigidity. A configuration of atleast one component of sole structure 102, including a protrudingportion of the component, may facilitate formation, location, andorientation of a desired asymmetric axis of torsional rigidity. Athickness profile of at least one component of sole structure 102 mayfacilitate formation, location, and orientation of a desired asymmetricaxis of torsional rigidity.

A construction and configuration (including surface contours) ofintermediate component 202 may form a desired asymmetric axis oftorsional rigidity in sole structure 102. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, insome embodiments intermediate component 202 may have a protrudingportion 240 including element portion 245 that extends diagonally(longitudinally and laterally) from lateral side 108 at heel region 106through midfoot region 105 to medial side 107 at forefoot region 104. Asbest shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in some embodiments element portion 245 ofprotruding portion 240 may form a continuous trough that extendsdiagonally from lateral side 108 at heel region 106 through midfootregion 105 to medial side 107 at forefoot region 104, and that has acontinuous, generally linear medial edge that extends diagonally fromlateral side 108 at heel region 106 through midfoot region 105 to medialside 107 at forefoot region 104. With this configuration, in someembodiments element portion 245 of protruding portion 240 may form anaxis of torsional rigidity 310 in intermediate component 202 and solestructure 102 that extends along the trough of element portion 245,e.g., generally along the medial edge of element portion 245, asindicated by dashed line 310. Generally, portions of sole structure 102on opposing sides of axis of torsional rigidity 310 have relativetorsional flexibility about axis of torsional rigidity, e.g., asindicated by arrow 311 at forefoot region 104, and arrow 312 at heelregion 106.

A construction and configuration of bottom component 200 may facilitateformation of a desired asymmetric axis of torsional rigidity in solestructure 102. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, in some embodiments bottomcomponent 200 may have a protruding portion 250 including elementportion 255 that extends diagonally (longitudinally and laterally) fromlateral side 108 at heel region 106 through midfoot region 105 to medialside 107 at forefoot region 104. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in someembodiments element portion 255 of protruding portion 250 may form acontinuous, generally linear trough that extends diagonally from lateralside 108 at heel region 106 through midfoot region 105 to medial side107 at forefoot region 104, and that has a continuous, generally linearmedial edge that extends diagonally from lateral side 108 at heel region106 through midfoot region 105 to medial side 107 at forefoot region104. With this configuration, in some embodiments element portion 255 ofprotruding portion 250 may facilitate formation of axis of torsionalrigidity 310 in bottom component 200 and sole structure 102 that extendsalong the trough of element portion 255, e.g., generally along themedial edge of element portion 255, as indicated by dashed line 310,arrow 311 at forefoot region 104, and arrow 312 at heel region 106.

A construction and configuration of optional upper component 204 mayfacilitate formation of a desired asymmetric axis of torsional rigidityin sole structure 102. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, in someembodiments upper component 204 may have a protruding portion 230including element portion 235 that extends diagonally (longitudinallyand laterally) from lateral side 108 at heel region 106 through midfootregion 105 to medial side 107 at forefoot region 104. As best shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, in some embodiments element portion 235 of protrudingportion 230 may form a continuous, generally linear trough that extendsdiagonally from lateral side 108 at heel region 106 through midfootregion 105 to medial side 107 at forefoot region 104, and that has acontinuous, generally linear medial edge that extends diagonally fromlateral side 108 at heel region 106 through midfoot region 105 to medialside 107 at forefoot region 104. With this configuration, in someembodiments element portion 235 of protruding portion 230 may facilitateformation of axis of torsional rigidity 310 in upper component 204 andsole component 102 that generally extends along a medial edge of element235, as indicated by dashed line 310, arrow 311 at forefoot region 104,and arrow 312 at heel region 106.

A construction and configuration of sole structure 102 in midfoot region105 may provide a desired rigidity profile in midfoot region 105 thatfacilitates forming an asymmetric axis of torsional rigidity. Aconstruction and configuration of components of sole structure 102 inmidfoot region 105 may provide a desired rigidity profile in midfootregion 105 that facilitates formation of an asymmetric axis of torsionalrotation.

A configuration of protruding portion 240 of intermediate component 202in midfoot region 105 may provide a desired rigidity profile in midfootregion 105 that facilitates forming an asymmetric axis of torsionalrigidity. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments element 243 in midfootregion 105 of intermediate component 202 may be Y-shaped. Further, asshown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments element portion 245 and elementportion 246 of element 243 in midfoot region 105 and element 242 inforefoot region 104 may combine to form a continuous trough having atriangular shape and defining a raised central portion 247. It will beappreciated that this configuration of surface contours of protrudingportion 240 may provide a desired planar rigidity characteristic inmidfoot region 105 of intermediate component 202 and sole structure 102that facilitates formation of axis of torsional rigidity 310.

A configuration of protruding portion 250 of bottom component 200 inmidfoot region 105 may provide a desired rigidity profile in midfootregion 105 that facilitates forming an asymmetric axis of torsionalrigidity. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments element 253 in midfootregion 105 of bottom component 202 may be Y-shaped. Further, as shown inFIG. 2, in some embodiments element portion 255 and element portion 256of element 253 in midfoot region 105 and element 252 in forefoot region104 may combine to form a continuous trough having a triangular shapeand defining a raised central portion 257. It will be appreciated thatthis configuration of surface contours of protruding portion 250 mayprovide a desired planar rigidity characteristic in midfoot region 105of bottom component 202 and sole structure 102 that facilitatesformation of axis of torsional rigidity 310.

Similarly, a configuration of protruding portion 230 of optional uppercomponent 204 in midfoot region 105 may provide a desired rigidityprofile in midfoot region 105 that facilitates forming an asymmetricaxis of torsional rigidity. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodimentselement 233 in midfoot region 105 of bottom component 204 may beY-shaped. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments elementportion 245 and element portion 246 of element 243 in midfoot region 105and element 242 in forefoot region 104 may combine to form a continuoustrough having a triangular shape and defining a raised central portion237. It will be appreciated that this configuration of surface contoursof protruding portion 230 may provide a desired planar rigiditycharacteristic in midfoot region 105 of upper component 204 and solestructure 102 that facilitates formation of axis of torsional rigidity310.

A construction and configuration of optional chambered component 206 mayfacilitate formation of a desired asymmetric axis of torsional rigidityin sole structure 102. A construction and configuration of chamberedcomponent 206 may help provide sole structure 102 with a desiredrigidity profile that facilitates formation of a desired asymmetric axisof torsional rigidity in sole structure 102.

A construction and configuration of chambered component 206 may providea desired lateral rigidity profile in forefoot region 104 thatfacilitates forming an asymmetric axis of torsional rigidity. As shownin FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, in some embodiments chambered component 206 mayinclude an element portion 265 that extends diagonally (longitudinallyand laterally) from lateral side 108 at heel region 106 through midfootregion 105 to medial side 107 at forefoot region 104. As best shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, in some embodiments element portion 265 of chamberedcomponent 206 may form a continuous, substantially linear body thatextends diagonally from lateral side 108 at heel region 106 throughmidfoot region 105 to medial side 107 at forefoot region 104. With thisconfiguration, in some embodiments element portion 265 of chamberedcomponent 206 may facilitate formation of axis of torsional rigidity 310in intermediate component 202, bottom component 200, and optional uppercomponent 204 that generally extends along a medial edge of element 265,as indicated by dashed line 310, arrow 311 at forefoot region 104, andarrow 312 at heel region 106.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and 10 to 14, chambered component 206 mayprovide selected regions of increased rigidity in sole structure 102.For example, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 10, in some embodimentschambered component 206 may have an increased rigidity in substantiallyan entire lateral width of forefoot region 104 formed by element portion262. In some embodiments, element portion 262 may have an increasedthickness. In some embodiments, element portion 262 may have anincreased volume density. In some embodiments, element portion 262 mayhave a solid or substantially solid construction. In each embodiment, itwill be appreciated that an increased rigidity at element portion 262across substantially an entire lateral width of forefoot region 104 ofsole structure may facilitate forming axis of torsional rigidity 310.

A construction and configuration of chambered component 206 in forefootregion 104 and midfoot region 105 may facilitate a desired lateralrigidity in midfoot region 105 that facilitates forming an asymmetricaxis of torsional rigidity. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and 11 to 13, insome embodiments chambered component 206 generally may have a Y-shapedelement 263 in midfoot region 105. Y-shaped element 263 generally mayinclude element portion 265 that extends from lateral side 108 at heelregion 106 through midfoot region 105 to medial side 107 in forefootregion 104, and element portion 266 that extends along lateral side 108from midfoot region 105 to forefoot region 104.

A nested configuration of components of sole structure 102 may provide adesired rigidity profile in midfoot region 105 that facilitates formingan asymmetric axis of torsional rigidity. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectionalview of sole structure 102 in midfoot region 105 taken along sectionline 11-11 of FIG. 5, and FIG. 12 is a perspective view of midfootregion 105 and heel region 106 of sole structure 102 as viewed fromsection line 11-11 of FIG. 5 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 11. Asshown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in some embodiments sole structure 102 mayhave a nested structure including element 266 of chambered component206, element portion 236 of upper component 204, and element portion 246of intermediate component 202 stacked on element portion 256 of bottomcomponent 206 at lateral side 108 of midfoot region 105. Sole structure102 may have a nested structure including raised central element 237 ofupper component 204 and raised central element 247 of intermediatecomponent 202 stacked on raised central element 257 of bottom component200 in a central region of midfoot region 105. And sole structure 102may have a nested structure including element 265 of chambered component206, element portion 235 of upper component 204, element portion 245 ofintermediate component 202 stacked on element portion 255 of bottomcomponent 206 at lateral side 108. It will be appreciated that thisnested structure may provide a desired planar rigidity profile atlateral side 108 of midfoot region 105 that facilitates formation of anasymmetric axis of torsional rigidity, generally indicated as dashedline 1110, where sole structure 102 may have a direction of torsionalflexion generally indicated by arrow 1111 and arrow 1112. Similarly,FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of sole structure 102 in midfootregion 105 taken along section line 13-13 of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG.13, in some embodiments sole structure 102 may have a nested structureincluding element 264 of chambered component 206, element portion 234 ofupper component 204, and element portion 244 of intermediate component202 stacked on element 254 of bottom component 206 at lateral side 108of midfoot region 105. It will be appreciated that this nested structuremay provide a desired planar rigidity profile at lateral side 108 ofmidfoot region 105 that facilitates an asymmetric axis of torsionalrigidity, generally indicated as dashed line 1310, where sole structure102 may have a direction of torsional flexion generally indicated byarrow 1311 and arrow 1312. It will be appreciated that, in someembodiments asymmetric axis of torsional rigidity 1110 and asymmetricaxis of torsional rigidity 1310 may correspond to asymmetric axis oftorsional rigidity 311, direction of torsional flexion arrow 1211 anddirection of torsional flexion arrow 1112 may correspond to direction oftorsional flexion arrow 311 and direction of flexion arrow 312,respectively.

A thickness profile of bottom component 206 may provide a desiredrigidity profile in midfoot region 105 that facilitates forming anasymmetric axis of torsional rigidity. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, insome embodiments a thickness profile of bottom component 206 may includea nominal thickness T_(B) 1120, and an increased thickness T_(R) 1122that forms ridge 110 located beneath element portion 255 of bottomcomponent 206 at medial side 107 of midfoot region 105 adjacent forefootregion 104. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 13, in some embodiments athickness profile of bottom component 206 may include a nominalthickness T_(B) 1320 and an increased thickness T_(R) 1322 that formsridge 110 located beneath element 255 of bottom component 206 at lateralside 108 of midfoot region 105 adjacent heel region 106. It will beappreciated that, in some embodiments asymmetric axis of torsionalrigidity 1310 may correspond to asymmetric axis of torsional rigidity311, direction of torsional flexion arrow 1311 and direction oftorsional flexion arrow 1312 may correspond to direction of torsionalflexion arrow 311 and direction of flexion arrow 312, respectively. Asshown in FIG. 13, in some embodiments asymmetric axis of rigidity 1310(310) may be offset from a centerline 1331 of element 233 of protrudingportion 230, element 243 of protruding portion 240, and element 253 ofprotruding portion 250 of sole structure 102, e.g., a lateral edge ofthe trough, e.g., by a distance D_(OFF) 1322.

Heel Region Rigidity Features

A construction and configuration of components of sole structure 102 mayprovide a desired planar rigidity profile in heel region 106 thatfacilitates stable support of a heel in heel region 106 and formation ofan asymmetric axis of torsional rigidity. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectionalview of sole structure 102 taken along section line 14-14 of FIG. 5. Asshown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in some embodiments element 264 of chamberedcomponent 206 may be configured to curve around from lateral side 108 ofheel region 106 to medial side 107 of heel region 106 and terminate atelement portion 268 at medial side 107 of heel region 106. As shown inFIG. 14, in some embodiments element 264 of chambered component 206,element 234 of upper component 204, and element 244 of intermediatecomponent 202 may be stacked and/or nested in element 254 of bottomcomponent 200. As shown in FIGS. 1, 6, 12, and 14, in some embodimentsbottom component 200 may have a thickness profile that forms tractionelement 141, traction element 142, traction element 143, and tractionelement 144 (blade cleats), with common blade member 172 bridgingtraction element 141 and traction element 142 on medial side 107, andcommon blade member 173 bridging traction element 143 and tractionelement 144 on lateral side 108 (see FIG. 14). As shown in FIG. 14,bottom component 200, intermediate component 202, and upper component204 also may be provided with respective surface contours that form aperipheral lip that curves upward. It will be appreciated that thisconfiguration may provide a heel cup for comfortably and securelysupporting a heel during use of sole structure 102 and article offootwear 100.

A configuration of protruding portion 240 of intermediate component 202may form a desired rigidity profile in midfoot region 105 and heelregion 106 that facilitates formation of an asymmetric axis of torsionalrigidity. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 12, in some embodiments element244 at midfoot region 105 and heel region 106 of intermediate component202 may have an arched shape that follows a perimeter of heel region 106and terminates in element portion 238 at medial side 107. As shown inFIGS. 2, 3, 12, and 13, in some embodiments element 244 (includingelement portion 248) may form a raised central portion 249 in midfootregion 105 and heel region 106 of intermediate component 202. It will beappreciated that this configuration of intermediate component 202,including surface contours of protruding portion 240 in midfoot region105 and heel region 106, may provide a desired rigidity characteristicand profile in midfoot region 105 and heel region 106, e.g., a desiredplanar rigidity that facilitates formation of asymmetric axis oftorsional rigidity 1110 (310) in intermediate component 202 and solestructure 102.

Similarly, a configuration of protruding portion 250 of bottom component200 may form a desired rigidity profile in midfoot region 105 and heelregion 106 that facilitates formation of an asymmetric axis of torsionalrigidity. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 12, in some embodiments element254 at midfoot region 105 and heel region 106 of bottom component 202may have an arched shape that follows a perimeter of heel region 106 andterminates in element portion 258 at medial side 107. As shown in FIGS.2, 3, 12, and 13, in some embodiments element 254 (including elementportion 258) may form a raised central portion 259 in midfoot region 105and heel region 106 of bottom component 200. It will be appreciated thatthis configuration of bottom component 200, including surface contoursof protruding portion 250 in midfoot region 105 and heel region 106, mayprovide a desired rigidity characteristic and profile in midfoot region105 and heel region 106, e.g., a desired planar rigidity thatfacilitates formation of asymmetric axis of torsional rigidity 310 (1110and 1310) in bottom component 200 and sole structure 102.

Similarly, a configuration of protruding portion 230 of upper component204 may form a desired rigidity profile in midfoot region 105 and heelregion 106 that facilitates formation of an asymmetric axis of torsionalrigidity. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 12, in some embodiments element234 at midfoot region 105 and heel region 106 of upper component 204 mayhave an arched shape that follows a perimeter of heel region 106 andterminate in element portion 238 at medial side 107. As shown in FIGS.2, 3, 12, and 13, in some embodiments element 234 (including elementportion 238) may form a raised central portion 239 in midfoot region 105and heel region 106 of upper component 204. It will be appreciated thatthis configuration of upper component 204, including surface contours ofprotruding portion 230 in midfoot region 105 and heel region 106, mayprovide a desired rigidity characteristic and profile in midfoot region105 and heel region 106, e.g., a desired planar rigidity thatfacilitates formation of asymmetric axis of torsional rigidity 310 (1110and 1310) in upper component 204 and sole structure 102.

A configuration of chambered component 206 may provide a desiredrigidity profile in midfoot region 105 and heel region 106 thatfacilitates forming an asymmetric axis of torsional rigidity. As shownin FIGS. 2, 3, and 12, in some embodiments element 264 in midfoot region105 and heel region 106 may have an arched shape that follows aperimeter of heel region 106 and terminates in element portion 268 atmedial side 107. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 12, and 13, in someembodiments element 264 (including element portion 268) surrounds raisedcentral portion 249 of intermediate component 202, raised centralportion 259 of bottom component 200, and raised central portion 239 ofupper component 204. It will be appreciated that this configuration ofchambered component 206 may provide a desired rigidity characteristicand profile in midfoot region 105 and heel region 106, e.g., a desiredplanar rigidity that facilitates formation of asymmetric axis oftorsional rigidity 310 (1110 and 1310) in sole structure 102.

Component Composition

A material composition of one or more components of sole structure 102can vary in different embodiments. For example, in different embodimentsupper component 204, chambered component 206, intermediate component202, and bottom component 200 may be made of a variety of differentmaterials that provide for a lightweight and selectively rigid, yetflexible, sole structure 102 having a desired planar and/or torsionalrigidity characteristic.

Upper component 204 may be formed from a variety of materials indifferent embodiments. Generally, materials used with upper component204 can be selected to achieve a desired rigidity, flexibility, or otherdesired characteristic for upper component 204 and sole structure 102.In some embodiments, upper component 204 may be formed from a weaveand/or mesh of glass fibers, fiberglass, fiberglass composite and/orglass-reinforced plastic. In some embodiments, the weave or mesh may beanodized or coated with one or more alloy(s) or metal(s), like silver.In some embodiments, upper component 204 may be formed from carbon,carbon fiber, carbon composite, and/or recycled or reground carbonmaterials. In some embodiments, upper component 204 may be made oflayers including fibers that are oriented in an alternating orientation,such as an alternating 0°/90° orientation and/or an alternating 45°/45°orientation. In some embodiments, upper component 204 may be formed fromthermoplastic polyurethanes, recycled thermoplastic polyurethane, and/orcomposite including thermoplastic polyurethane. In some embodiments,upper component 204 may include a layer, or partial layer, ofthermoplastic polyurethane on one of the surfaces in order to protectthe entire sole structure 102 from impact forces from the wearer's foot.In some embodiments, any combination of materials known to those skilledin the art or later developed may be used to form upper component 204.In some embodiments, upper component 204 may be made of fiberglassand/or fiberglass composite.

Chambered component 206 may be formed from a variety of materials. Insome embodiments, chambered component 206 may be formed from a weaveand/or mesh of glass fibers, fiberglass, fiberglass composite and/orglass-reinforced plastic. In some embodiments, the weave or mesh may beanodized or coated with one or more alloy(s) or metal(s), like silver.In some embodiments, chambered component 206 may be formed from carbon,carbon fiber, carbon composite, and/or recycled or reground carbonmaterials. In some embodiments, chambered component 206 may be made oflayers including fibers that are oriented in an alternating 0°/90°orientation and/or an alternating 45°/45° orientation. In someembodiments, chambered component 206 may be formed from thermoplasticpolyurethanes, recycled thermoplastic polyurethane, and/or compositeincluding thermoplastic polyurethane. In some embodiments, anycombination of materials known to those skilled in the art or laterdeveloped may be used to form chambered component 206. In someembodiments, chambered component 206 may be made of a carbon and/orcarbon composite.

Intermediate component 202 may be formed from a variety of materials indifferent embodiments. In some embodiments, intermediate component 202may be formed from a weave and/or mesh of glass fibers, fiberglass,fiberglass composite and/or glass-reinforced plastic. In someembodiments, the weave or mesh may be anodized or coated with one ormore alloy(s) or metal(s), like silver. In some embodiments,intermediate component 202 may be formed from carbon, carbon fiber,carbon composite, and/or recycled or reground carbon materials. In someembodiments, intermediate component 202 may be made of layers includingfibers that are oriented in an alternating orientation, such as analternating 0°/90° orientation and/or an alternating 45°/45°orientation. In some embodiments, intermediate component 202 may beformed from thermoplastic polyurethanes, recycled thermoplasticpolyurethane, and/or composite including thermoplastic polyurethane. Insome embodiments, any combination of materials known to those skilled inthe art or later developed may be used to form intermediate component202 having an appropriate stiffness or hardness. In some embodiments,intermediate component 202 may be made from carbon fiber.

Bottom component 200 may be formed from a variety of materials indifferent embodiments. In some embodiments, bottom component 200 may beformed from a plastic. In some embodiments, any combination of materialsknown to those skilled in the art or later developed may be used to formbottom component 200. For example, in some embodiments bottom component200 may be made from a mixture of the same material or materials thatare used to make one or more of upper component 204, intermediatecomponent 202, and/or chambered component 206.

Upper component 204, chambered component 206, intermediate component202, and/or bottom component 200 may be formed in any manner, e.g.,using a variety of processes, in different embodiments. In someembodiments, each component may be molded or formed into a desiredpreformed shape in a separate molding process and then the componentsmay be assembled and/or joined together in a further process, e.g., afurther molding or bonding process. In some embodiments, edges of anymolded component may be trimmed using any means known to those skilledin the art or later developed, including a water jet or laser process.In some embodiments, one or more components may be molded in a commonmolding process. For example, in some embodiments chambered component206 and upper component 204 may be molded as a single component in asingle common molding process. In some embodiments, upper component 204and bottom component 200 may be molded in a single molding process,e.g., in a molding process that encapsulates intermediate component 202.

Components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be bonded or attached to oneanother in different embodiments using any of a variety of methods. Insome embodiments, heat and/or pressure may be applied to the variouscomponents in order bond them together. For example, a heat pressingprocess may be used to bond upper component 204 to bottom component 200.In another example, a heat pressing process may be used to bondintermediate component 202 to bottom component 200. In some embodiments,thermoplastic polyurethane may be used to bond the components to oneanother. In some embodiments, any form of adhesive known to thoseskilled in the art or later developed may be used to bond the componentstogether. In some embodiments, other methods of bonding the componentsknown to those skilled in the art or later developed may be used. Insome embodiments, upper component 204 and intermediate component 202 maybe placed in a mold and chambered component 206 may be injected into aconcave contour of protruding portion 220 of upper component 204 orprotruding portion 230 of intermediate component 202.

Other Embodiments

A configuration of sole structure 102 may vary in different embodiments.For example, a configuration of sole structure 102 may vary based on anintended ground surface for article of footwear 100. In particular, acleat configuration and/or thickness profile of sole structure 102 mayvary based on an intended ground surface for article of footwear 100,such as natural turf, artificial turf, sand, or other types of groundsurfaces.

FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of an assembled sole structure1502 that may be suitable for a particular ground surface, such asartificial turf. Sole structure 1502 generally corresponds to solestructure 102 for article of footwear 100 in FIGS. 1 and 2. Solestructure 1502 generally is substantially similar in composition andconstruction to sole structure 102. For example, in some embodimentssole structure 1502 generally may include bottom component 200,intermediate component 202, optional upper component 204, and optionalchambered component 206, as illustrated in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 15,in some embodiments bottom component 200 of sole structure 1502 may havea configuration that is substantially similar to the configuration ofbottom component 200 of sole structure 102. For example, as shown inFIG. 15, in some embodiments bottom component 200 of sole structure 1502may have a thickness profile that is substantially similar to thethickness profile of bottom component 200 of sole structure 102.

Sole structure 1502 may have a construction and configuration providingan asymmetric torsional rigidity and flex characteristics that aresubstantially similar to asymmetric torsional rigidity and flexcharacteristics of sole structure 102. Specifically, a construction andconfiguration of sole structure 1502 may include a trough formed byelement 245 of protruding portion 240 of intermediate component 202,element 255 of protruding portion 250 of bottom component 200, andelement 235 of protruding portion 230 of optional upper component 204,and bottom component 200 may have a thickness profile that forms a ridge110 on bottom surface 216 of bottom component 200 that extendssubstantially along the trough. Accordingly, in some embodiments solestructure 1502 may provide an asymmetrical axis of torsional rigidity1510 that extends substantially along ridge 110 of bottom component 200,and substantially corresponding with a medial edge of the trough formedby element 245 of protruding portion 240 of intermediate component 202,element 255 of protruding portion 250 of bottom component 200, andelement 235 of protruding portion 230 of optional upper component 204.Thus, it will be appreciated that, as shown in FIG. 15, in someembodiments axis of torsional rigidity 1510 may correspond to axis oftorsional rigidity 310 of sole structure 102.

As shown in FIG. 15, in some embodiments bottom component 200 of solestructure 1502 may have a thickness profile and traction elementconfiguration at medial side 107 of toe region 103 that is differentfrom bottom component 200 of sole structure 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Forexample, sole structure 1502 also may have a different configuration oftraction elements at medial side 107 in toe region 103. As shown in FIG.15, in some embodiments bottom component 200 of sole structure 1502 mayinclude a first traction element 1521, a second traction element 1522,and a third traction element 1523 at medial side 107 of toe region 103,a fourth traction element 1524 at lateral side 108 of toe region 103. Asshown in FIG. 15, however, in some embodiments each of traction element1521, traction element 1522, and traction element 1523 may have achevron-shaped blade member and form a chevron-shaped cleat member.Also, as opposed to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, in which each oftraction element 121, traction element 122, and traction element 123 isarched in a direction away from one another around web 111 (i.e.,radially outward from a central region of elements forming a toedepression), as shown in FIG. 15, in some embodiments at least onetraction element may be arranged to arch inward (see, e.g., tractionelement 1523 that is arranged to arch radially inward toward a centralregion of web 111 of medial toe portion 271). It will be appreciatedthat varying a configuration of traction elements at toe region 103 mayprovide a desired traction characteristic for medial toe portion 271 andsole structure 1502 that is different from a traction characteristic formedial toe portion 271 of sole structure 102.

A location and function of flex zones in the forefoot region of solestructure 1502 may be substantially similar to flex zones in theforefoot region of sole structure 102. As shown in FIG. 15, in someembodiments traction element 1521 and traction element 1522 do not sharea common buttress support structure (compare with common buttress oftraction element 121 and traction element 122 of sole structure 102 inFIG. 5). Accordingly, a rigidity characteristic of flex zone 1551, e.g.,for flexion of forefoot region 104 about axis line 1553, may be lessthan a rigidity characteristic of flex zone 501 of sole structure 102.In some embodiments, sole structure 1502 may have substantially the sameconstruction and configuration as sole structure 102 of FIG. 5 at flexzone 502, and may have substantially similar flexion of forefoot region104 about axis line 503. Those skilled in the art will be able to selecta construction and configuration of sole structure 1502 suitable forachieving a desired flex characteristic for sole structure 1502 inforefoot region 104.

FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of an assembled sole structure1602 that may be suitable for a different ground surface, such asnatural turf. Sole structure 1602 generally corresponds to solestructure 102 for article of footwear 100 in FIGS. 1 and 2. Solestructure 1602 may be substantially similar in composition andconstruction to sole structure 102. For example, in some embodimentssole structure 1602 generally may include bottom component 200,intermediate component 202, optional upper component 204, and optionalchambered component 206, as illustrated in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 16,in some embodiments bottom component 200 of sole structure 1602 may havea configuration that is substantially similar to the configuration ofbottom component 200 of sole structure 102. As shown in FIG. 16, in someembodiments bottom component 200 of sole structure 1602 may have athickness profile that is substantially similar to the thickness profileof bottom component 200 of sole structure 102.

Sole structure 1602 may have a construction and configuration providinga torsional rigidity and flex characteristics that are substantiallysimilar to a torsional rigidity and flex characteristics of solestructure 102. Specifically, a construction and configuration of solestructure 1602 may include a trough formed by element 245 of protrudingportion 230 of intermediate component 202, element 255 of protrudingportion 240 of bottom component 200, and element 235 of protrudingportion 220 of optional upper component 204, and bottom component 200may have a thickness profile that forms a ridge 110 on bottom surface216 of bottom component 200 that extends substantially along the trough.Accordingly, in some embodiments sole structure 1602 may provide anasymmetrical axis of torsional flex 1610 that extends substantiallyalong ridge 110 of bottom component 200, and substantially correspondingwith an edge of the trough formed by element 245 of protruding portion230 of intermediate component 202, element 255 of protruding portion 240of bottom component 200, and element 235 of protruding portion 220 ofoptional upper component 204. Thus, it will be appreciated that, asshown in FIG. 16, in some embodiments axis of torsional rigidity 1610may correspond to axis of torsional rigidity 310 of sole structure 102.

As shown in FIG. 16, in some embodiments bottom component 200 of solestructure 1602 may have a thickness profile and traction elementconfiguration that is different from bottom component 200 of solestructure 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, sole structure 1602 mayhave a different type and configuration of traction elements.

A number, type, and arrangement of traction elements of sole structure1602 may vary in different embodiments. As shown in FIG. 16, in someembodiments bottom component 200 of sole structure 1602 may include afirst traction element 1621 and a second traction element 1622 locatedat medial side 107 of toe region 103, a third traction element 1623located at lateral side 108 of toe region 103, a fourth traction element1631 located at medial side 107 of forefoot region 104, a fifth tractionelement 1632 located at a central region of forefoot region 104, a sixthtraction element 1633 located at lateral side 108 of forefoot region104, a seventh traction element 1641 located at medial side 107 ofmidfoot region 105, an eighth traction element 1642 located at lateralside 108 of midfoot region 105, a ninth traction element 1651 and atenth traction element (rear medial traction element) 1652 located atmedial side 107 of heel region 106, and a eleventh traction element 1653and a twelfth traction element (rear lateral traction element) 1654)located at lateral side 108 of heel region 106.

As shown in FIG. 16, in some embodiments (e.g., traction element 1621,traction element 1641, traction element 1642, traction element 1651, andtraction element 1653), a traction element may take the form of a bladecleat. Each of these traction elements (blade cleats) may have astructure and configuration substantially similar to traction elements(blade cleats) as discussed above with respect to sole structure 102. Insome embodiments, traction element 1641 and traction element 1642located in midfoot region 105 and traction element 1651 and tractionelement 1652 located in heel region 106 variously may cooperate tocontact and provide traction relative to a soccer ball located undersole structure 1602 at midfoot region 105, i.e., to facilitate ballcontrol.

As shown in FIG. 16, in some embodiments (e.g., traction element 1622,traction element 1623, traction element 1631, traction element 1633,traction element 1652, and traction element 1654), a traction elementmay take the form of threaded cleat. FIG. 17 is an enlargedcross-sectional view of a traction element (threaded cleat) taken alongsection line 17-17 in FIG. 16. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, in someembodiments bottom component 200 may include a threaded base element1671 for receiving a threaded cleat element 1672 to form tractionelement (threaded cleat) 1631. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, in someembodiments intermediate component 202 may include a cut-out portion1673 that is configured (sized) to receive threaded base element 1671.As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, in some embodiments cut-out portion 1673may have a generally circular configured sized to receive a portion ofbottom component 200, which may form an annular web 1674 locatedadjacent upper component 204.

A construction and configuration of toe region 103 of sole structure1602 may be substantially similar to sole structure 102. A constructionand configuration of the toe split may be substantially similar. Aconstruction of intermediate component 202 at the toe split (e.g., slot270) may be substantially similar to sole structure 102. As shown inFIG. 16, a configuration, including at least a thickness profile ofbottom component 200, may be different in sole structure 1602. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 16, in some embodiments web 111 in toe region103 may cover only a portion of a perimeter of medial toe portion 271;as shown in FIG. 16, in some embodiments web 111 may cover an entiretyof slot 270. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that this constructionand configuration of sole structure 1602 may control rigidity and flexcharacteristics of sole structure 1602 at toe region 103, e.g., at thetoe split, in a manner substantially similar to sole structure 102.

A location and function of flex zones in forefoot region 104 of solestructure 1602 may be substantially similar to flex zones in theforefoot region of sole structure 102. As shown in FIG. 16, in someembodiments no traction element is located in toe region 103 adjacentslot 270 of sole structure 1602 (compare with traction element 123 ofFIGS. 1 and 5, and traction element 1523 in FIG. 15). Accordingly, arigidity characteristic of flex zone 1681, e.g., for flexion of forefootregion 104 about axis line 1682, may be different than (e.g., less than)a rigidity characteristic of flex zone 501 of sole structure 102 inFIGS. 1 and 5, and/or a rigidity characteristic of flex zone 1551 ofsole structure 102 in FIG. 15. In some embodiments, sole structure 1602may have a substantially similar construction and configuration as solestructure 102 of FIG. 5 at flex zone 502, and may have substantiallysimilar flexion of forefoot region 104 at flex zone 502, e.g., aboutaxis line 504. Those skilled in the art will be able to select aconstruction and configuration of sole structure 1602 suitable forachieving a desired flex characteristic for sole structure 1602 inforefoot region 104.

While various embodiments of the have been described, the description isintended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments andimplementations are possible that are within the scope of the currentembodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restrictedexcept in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also,various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of theattached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of footwear, comprising: a solestructure, the sole structure comprising: an intermediate component; anda bottom component, the sole structure having a toe region, a forefootregion, a midfoot region, and a heel region, the sole structure having amedial side and a lateral side, the intermediate component having a topsurface, a bottom surface, and a protruding portion that forms a concavecontour on the top surface of the intermediate component and acorresponding convex contour on the bottom surface of the intermediatecomponent, the protruding portion including at least a first portionthat forms a continuous trough at least from the medial side of theforefoot region through the midfoot region to the lateral side of theheel region, the bottom component having a top surface, a bottomsurface, and a protruding portion that forms a concave contour on thetop surface of the bottom component and a corresponding convex contouron the bottom surface of the bottom component, the protruding portionincluding at least a first portion that forms a continuous trough atleast from the medial side of the forefoot region through the midfootregion to the lateral side of the heel region, the top surface of thebottom component contacting the bottom surface of the intermediatecomponent, the first portion of the bottom component being aligned withthe first portion of the intermediate component, and the bottom surfaceof the bottom component being configured to engage a ground surface, thebottom component further having a variable thickness profile that formsa continuous ridge on the bottom surface of the bottom component, theridge extending from the medial side of the forefoot region through themidfoot region to the lateral side of the heel region, the ridge beingsubstantially aligned with the first portion of the intermediatecomponent and the first portion of the bottom component.
 2. The articleof footwear according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate componentfurther includes a slot forming a toe split that separates a first toeportion on the medial side of the toe region from a second toe portionon the lateral side of the toe region.
 3. The article of footwearaccording to claim 2, wherein the protruding portion of the intermediatecomponent includes a second portion located in the first toe portion ofthe intermediate component, and the protruding portion of the bottomcomponent includes a second portion located on the medial side of thetoe region, the second portion of the bottom component beingsubstantially aligned with the second portion of the intermediatecomponent.
 4. The article of footwear according to claim 3, wherein thebottom component further has a thickness profile that forms webbing onthe bottom surface of the bottom component, the webbing including afirst web portion located around at least a portion of a periphery ofthe second portion of the bottom component, the first web portion beingdisposed over at least a portion of the slot in the intermediatecomponent.
 5. The article of footwear according to claim 4, wherein thefirst web portion has a width and thickness sufficient to control arigidity characteristic of the intermediate component at the toe split.6. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein theintermediate member comprises a carbon fiber material.
 7. The article offootwear according to claim 1, wherein the sole structure furthercomprises an upper component, the upper component having a top surfaceand a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the upper component beingdisposed adjacent the top surface of the intermediate component.
 8. Thearticle of footwear according to claim 7, wherein the upper componentfurther comprises a protruding portion that forms a concave contour onthe top surface of the upper component and a corresponding convexcontour on the bottom surface of the upper component, the protrudingportion of the upper component including at least a first portion thatforms a continuous trough at least from the medial side of the forefootregion through the midfoot region to a lateral side of the heel region,the first portion of the protruding portion of the upper component beingaligned with the first portion of the intermediate component.
 9. Thearticle of footwear according to claim 7, wherein the bottom surface ofthe upper component is joined with the top surface of the intermediatecomponent.
 10. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein thesole structure further comprises a chambered component disposed in atleast the first portion of the intermediate component.
 11. The articleof footwear according to claim 8, wherein the sole structure furthercomprises a chambered component disposed in the first portion of theupper component.
 12. The article of footwear according to claim 8,wherein the sole structure further comprises a chambered componentdisposed in the first portion of the intermediate component.
 13. Thearticle of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portionof the intermediate component includes a Y-shaped element in the midfootregion.
 14. The article of footwear according to claim 13, wherein theprotruding portion of the bottom component includes a Y-shaped elementin the midfoot region that aligns with the Y-shaped element of theintermediate component.
 15. The article of footwear according to claim14, wherein the sole structure further comprises a chambered componentdisposed in at least the first portion of the intermediate component,the chambered component including a Y-shaped element in the midfootregion that aligns with the Y-shaped element of intermediate component.16. The article of footwear according to claim 14, wherein the solestructure further comprises an upper component, the upper componenthaving a top surface and a bottom surface, the upper component furthercomprising a protruding portion that forms a concave contour on the topsurface of the upper component and a corresponding convex contour on thebottom surface of the upper component, the bottom surface of the uppercomponent being disposed adjacent the top surface of the intermediatecomponent, wherein the protruding portion of the upper componentincludes a Y-shaped element in the midfoot region that aligns with theY-shaped element of the intermediate component.
 17. The article offootwear according to claim 16, wherein the sole structure furthercomprises a chambered component disposed in at least the first portionof the upper component, the chambered component including a Y-shapedelement in the midfoot region that aligns with the Y-shaped element ofthe intermediate component.
 18. The article of footwear according toclaim 10, wherein the chambered component includes a first portionhaving a first volume density and a second portion having a secondvolume density different from the first volume density, the first volumedensity being located at the forefoot region of the sole structure. 19.An article of footwear, comprising: a sole structure including a soleplate formed of a carbon fiber material, the sole plate having a toeregion, a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, the soleplate having a top surface and a bottom surface, the sole plateincluding a protruding portion that forms a concave contour on the topsurface of the sole plate and a corresponding convex contour on thebottom surface of the sole plate, the protruding portion including atleast a first portion that forms a continuous trough at least from amedial side of the forefoot region through the midfoot region to alateral side of the heel region.
 20. The article of footwear accordingto claim 19, the sole plate further including a slot forming a toe splitthat separates a first toe portion at the medial side of the toe regionfrom a second toe portion at the lateral side of the toe region, asecond portion of the protruding portion of the sole plate being locatedin the first toe portion.
 21. A method of making a sole structure for anarticle of footwear, the method comprising: forming an intermediatecomponent of a first material including carbon fibers, the intermediatecomponent having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a protrudingportion that forms a concave contour on the top surface of theintermediate component and a corresponding convex contour on the bottomsurface of the intermediate component, the protruding portion includingat least a first portion that forms a continuous trough at least from amedial side of a forefoot region through a midfoot region to a lateralside of a heel region of the intermediate component; forming a bottomcomponent of a second material, the bottom component having a topsurface, an exposed bottom surface, and a protruding portion that formsa concave contour on the top surface of the bottom component and acorresponding convex contour on the bottom surface of the bottomcomponent, the protruding portion of the bottom component including atleast a first portion that forms a continuous trough at least from amedial side of a forefoot region through a midfoot region to a lateralside of a heel region of the bottom component, the bottom componentfurther having a thickness profile that forms a continuous ridge on thebottom surface of the bottom component, the ridge extending from themedial side of the forefoot region through the midfoot region to thelateral side of the heel region, the ridge being substantially alignedwith the first portion of the bottom component; and joining the bottomsurface of the intermediate component with the top surface of the bottomcomponent so that the first portion of the bottom component is alignedwith the first portion of the intermediate component.
 22. The method ofclaim 21, further comprising: forming a chambered component; and placingthe chambered component in at least the first portion of theintermediate component.
 23. The method of claim 21, further comprising:forming an upper component of a third material, the upper componenthaving a top surface, a bottom surface, and a protruding portion thatforms a concave contour on the top surface of the upper component and acorresponding convex contour on the bottom surface of the uppercomponent, the protruding portion including at least a first portionthat forms a continuous trough at least from a medial side of a forefootregion through a midfoot region to a lateral side of a heel region ofthe upper component; and joining the bottom surface of the uppercomponent with the top surface of the intermediate component so that thefirst portion of the upper component is aligned with the first portionof the intermediate component and the first portion of the bottomcomponent.
 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising: forming achambered component; and placing the chambered component in at least thefirst portion of the upper component.
 25. The method of claim 21,further comprising: bonding the intermediate component to the bottomcomponent using a heat pressing process.